How Climate Change Effects Elk, Plants and Birds

Science Daily reports on a recent study by the U.S. Geological Survey and University of Montana that shows the impact of a decreasing snowpack in the Arizona Mountains on plants and animals. Here are some of their findings that show an ecological cascade of events:

Climate chnage leads to a decreased snowpack

Decreased snowpack leads to winter access to high elevation trees

Elk browse trees at higher elevations

Over browsing leads to decline in deciduous trees

Decline in deciduous trees leads to decreased habitat for birds

Decreased habitat and bird population lead to increased predation on remaining bird nests

And maybe the top of the list could be human behaviors causing climate change?